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Routing cables, power supply, mounting your controller

Discussion in 'CNC Mills/Routers' started by Charles Roseberry, Nov 12, 2019.

  1. Charles Roseberry

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    Hi everyone. I have had my machine running for some time now. Enlarged it and have made a lot of small changes since I built it. One thing I've never done is route my power and wires properly so they are not cumbersome and in the way.

    So I'm reaching out for ideas on how to route the wires power supply and board. I have my controller board mounted on the back of my machine, and wires just kind of hang. my build is now about 35"x35" and when I'm in the front left corner its a stretch for my spindle and power.

    So, does anyone have pics of how they routed their larger machines wiring? I would really appreciate it. (I searched, but did not find any decent photos, and most of the builds I have seen do now show that part of the build) And lets be honest, I need to fix this issue.

    Thank You!
     

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  2. Charles Roseberry

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    Bump?
     
  3. sharmstr

    sharmstr OpenBuilds Team
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  4. Alex Chambers

    Alex Chambers Master
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    As @sharmstr said, but keep mains wiring away from low voltage stuff. I suspend my router cable above the machine.
    Alex.
     
  5. jeffmorris

    jeffmorris Journeyman
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    How do you suspend the router cable/cord over the machine? I suspend the vacuum hose over the machine using a spring.
     
  6. sharmstr

    sharmstr OpenBuilds Team
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    I have a 20x20 extrusion bolted to the X gantry plate. Here's an old pic when I had a piece of wood instead

    [​IMG]
     
  7. Alex Chambers

    Alex Chambers Master
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    I clamped a piece of 2" x 1" to the side of my bench, screwed a large cup hook into the top and hung my router cable from that. Made sure I had enough slack to reach every corner of the machine.

    Cutting going off path.

    Alex.
     
    #7 Alex Chambers, Nov 16, 2019
    Last edited: Nov 16, 2019
    sharmstr likes this.
  8. Charles Roseberry

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    Thanks for the replies. Yes I do need to get a drag chain for sure. I was hoping that someone came up with something where I didn't have to suspend the power from the router like that. Separating it for interference is also a good thought. I guess I'll have to look up some drag chain configurations. I've never added one. So, guess I need one for both axis'.
     
  9. sharmstr

    sharmstr OpenBuilds Team
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    Watch some of the openbuilds assembly videos. You'll see how they attach to the x and y gantries.

    I would advise against putting your router cable in a chain. You'll regret it the first time you need to install new motor brushes.
     
  10. Charles Roseberry

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    Yep , understood. I have my Pro V Controller mounted to the back extrusions of my machine. I'm wondering if I need to change that. But I havent seen many mounted in the photos here.
     
  11. sharmstr

    sharmstr OpenBuilds Team
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  12. Colin Mccourt

    Colin Mccourt Journeyman
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  13. Giarc

    Giarc OpenBuilds Team
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    My CNC router is under a ceiling outlet, I have the power cord plugged in above. It is never in my way and easily moves to all corners of the work area. My vacuum hose hangs down from the same location and air compressor hose is in a slightly further back location. None are ever in my way. This keeps the high voltage and static producing things away from my other wiring.

    Air hose vacuum hose and power suspended:
    DSC_0017.JPG

    Looking down from ceiling:
    20181111_200102.jpg
     
    sharmstr and Peter Van Der Walt like this.
  14. Charles Roseberry

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    I like the idea of an overhead outlet. I may have to consider that. I dont like the outlet sitting way behind a machine like mine is.

    Your knowledge and help is indispensable fellas, thanks very much.
     

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